24 Hours in Pictures – January 14, 2026
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Through the lens: The Citizen’s Picture Editors select the best news photographs from South Africa adn around the world.
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British actor Erin Kellyman
MORE PICTURES: Class of 2025 matric results cheer
Angie Motshekga and the 2025 Matric Results
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga conducted an oversight visit to a school in Cape Town, South Africa, on January 14, 2026, coinciding with the start of the school year and the release of the 2025 matriculation (Grade 12) results.
The purpose of these oversight visits is to monitor the administrative processes related to the release of the results and to ensure a smooth start to the academic year. Minister Motshekga routinely visits schools during this period to assess readiness and address any challenges.
While the specific details of the 2025 matric results are not provided in the source, the Department of Basic Education typically releases complete statistics, including the overall pass rate, performance by province, and subject analysis, shortly after the results are made available to schools and individual learners. Such as, the 2023 matric results, released on January 19, 2024, showed a pass rate of 82.9%.
Cape Town and the Western Cape Education System
Cape Town is located within the Western Cape province, which has its own provincial education department responsible for administering education within its borders.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) operates independently within the national framework set by the Department of Basic Education. The WCED is responsible for the planning,provision,and management of education in the province,including curriculum growth,teacher training,and infrastructure development.
In the 2023 matric results, the Western Cape achieved a pass rate of 81.4%, slightly below the national average, but consistently ranks among the top-performing provinces in South Africa. western Cape Education Department Statement on 2023 Results
Matric Results and the south African Education System
The matriculation examination is a crucial component of the South African education system, serving as the final assessment for Grade 12 learners. Prosperous completion of the matric examination and attainment of a National Senior Certificate (NSC) are prerequisites for entry into universities and other higher education institutions.
The NSC is assessed according to a standardized curriculum developed by the Department of Basic Education. The examination consists of a combination of coursework, practical assessments, and final written examinations. The results are certified by Umalusi, the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training, ensuring the credibility and comparability of the NSC.
The Umalusi report on the fairness and integrity of the 2023 NSC examinations confirmed the validity of the results,stating that there were no systemic irregularities that could compromise the credibility of the examination. Umalusi Statement on 2023 NSC Results